Doctor of Business Leadership

The Doctor of Business Leadership (DBL) at Northumbria University is a rigorous, research-driven doctoral program designed for experienced professionals and aspiring academic leaders seeking to deepen their understanding of business practices and strategic management. This advanced degree combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, enabling students to develop innovative solutions to complex business challenges and contribute thoughtfully to scholarly discourse in the field of leadership and management. The program is tailored for individuals who aim to enhance their strategic decision-making capabilities, foster effective organizational change, and drive sustainable growth within their organizations or industries. Throughout the coursework, students engage with a wide array of topics, including organizational leadership, strategic management, innovation, and governance. They benefit from a collaborative learning environment facilitated by expert faculty members who bring extensive industry experience and academic expertise. The program emphasizes independent research, critical analysis, and the integration of theory with real-world practice, culminating in the submission of a substantial thesis that addresses a significant issue in business leadership. Flexibility is a core feature of the program, allowing students to balance their studies with professional commitments through part-time study options and flexible scheduling. The DBL at Northumbria University prepares graduates for senior executive roles, academic careers, and consultancy positions by equipping them with advanced research skills, strategic insights, and leadership competencies. Joining the program means becoming part of a vibrant academic community committed to excellence, innovation, and leadership development, fostering lifelong learning, and enabling graduates to make meaningful contributions to the global business environment.

The DBL has been designed to provide a means of progression from an established academic knowledge base of a Masters qualification in a business leadership area that includes substantial study of the field, professional development, research training and a research based dissertation. The Masters qualification provides subject knowledge, personal development and research training to enable a student to progress to the DBL.

The DBL comprises study of the Advanced Business Research module (30 credits) and the development of a doctoral research thesis or portfolio leading to an individual contribution to enhance understanding of theory and/or practice in business leadership. The module is assessed via a critically-argued proposal (4000 words). The programme includes learning tasks in which the student will enhance his/her practice development and career progression at a doctoral level, with opportunities for networking with other doctoral students, researchers and professionals.

The programme commences with the Advanced Business Research module delivered in two one-week blocks encompassing research philosophies, research techniques and doctoral study skills. Personal study during the inter-block periods is seen as vital in allowing participants to reflect upon the content of the taught modules, to relate theory to their current (or past) professional practice, to undertake their research and to prepare for their doctoral thesis/portfolio. This study time is self-managed, but supported by fellow participants, academic tutors and a supervisor.

As a full-time student you will be in attendance at the university between blocks with successful completion of the module leading to the research phase. The part-time programme allows practising leaders the freedom to continue working in their profession. The ability of doctoral students to study in blocks and continue in employment allows them direct access to the professional context within which their doctoral programme rests. 

Requirements

• A Masters qualification in a Business Leadership related area (or exceptionally an equivalent qualification with a substantial work experience in a business leadership role) which includes a substantive study of the field, personal and professional development and research training resulting in a research dissertation. The research training and research element must equate to a minimum of 60 credits.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience of business leadership practice in line with the University Professional Doctorate Framework and/or evidence of appropriate continuous professional development.
• Submission of a research proposal at an appropriate level for doctoral study and which can be supervised by Newcastle Business School staff.
• Where English is not the applicant’s first language, a minimum IELTS score of 7.0. (No individual element in your IELTS score should be 0.5 or more points below the required overall score).

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• Research Studentships 
• Employment Sponsorship 
• Financial Advice 

The Doctor of Business Leadership (DBL) program at Northumbria University is designed for experienced business professionals seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities through rigorous academic study and practical application. This doctoral program aims to develop strategic thinking, advanced research skills, and innovative leadership approaches tailored to the complexities of contemporary business environments. The program is structured to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of organizational dynamics, decision-making processes, and the socio-economic factors influencing global markets. Participants engage in independent research, supported by expert supervision, focusing on real-world business challenges, thus ensuring that their findings have practical relevance and contribute to scholarly knowledge in the field of business leadership. The curriculum typically covers topics such as leadership theory, organizational change, strategic management, ethics in business, and innovative practices. Students are encouraged to critically evaluate existing theories and develop new frameworks that address emerging trends and issues in business. The program often combines taught modules with research components, culminating in a thesis that demonstrates the student's ability to conduct high-level research independently. Additionally, the university fosters a collaborative learning environment, offering opportunities for peer interaction, networking with industry leaders, and participation in conferences and seminars. The Doctor of Business Leadership at Northumbria University is suitable for senior managers, executives, and entrepreneurs aiming to drive transformational change within their organizations or contribute to scholarly discourse. Graduates are equipped to assume advanced leadership roles, influence policy development, or pursue academic careers in business and management. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and practical problem-solving skills, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving business landscape.